By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.
The Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Governors of South East states, led by the Host Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and his brother Governor from Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, stormed Umuahia Township stadium with other dignitaries from across Nigeria, on Saturday to pay their final respect to the mother of National Commissioner Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), representing South East, Dr. Kenneth Ukaegbu, late Elder Chinyere Magerat Ukaegbu, aka ‘Mama Connak’, who passed away at the age of 76.
The Governor of Abia state, Dr. Alex Otti, in his tribute on behalf of other South East Governors, described ‘Mama Connak’ as a pillar of compassion, faith and a gift to her community and the Nation at large.
“Even though we cannot question God, we would have wished that she stayed longer with us here and continue to be that humorous figure whose life was adored with rare virtus of compassion, courage, faith and boundless generosity.
“No doubt, her death is a huge loss to the family and those she touched with her heart of Gold,” Gov. Otti lamented.
He called on the Ukaegbu family to find strength in continuing the legacy of their mother, adding that the only gift you can give her is to hold dear her legacies and continue from where she stopped.
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in his tribute on behalf of other Members of the National Assembly members present at the burial church service, said that Mama Connak made impact on her family and community and described her as a woman of exceptional virtue and determination.
He prayed that God will let the sun rise to her face as she walks into eternity.
In his own tribute the first son of the deceased, Dr. Kenneth Ukaegbu, National Commissioner INEC,incharge of South East, described his mother as a woman of deep faith and a true embodiment of practical Christianity,who possessed a strong desire to help others and devoted her life and resources to fulfilling that of others .
He pledged to uphold and preserve the legacy of compassion and service that his mother had built and thanked all those who joined the family to honor and bid their mother farewell.
Earlier in his sermon titled “You need God”, Pastor David Bamigboye of Winners Chapel Umuahia, urged the congregation to seek God for the fulfillment of their destiny, noting that Mama Connak had a personal relationship with God during her life time.
“God has a great destiny for us and it is our linkage with God that will cause our destiny to shine,”the Pastor admonished.
Mama Connak was later buried at her country home, Afugiri ohuhu in Umuahia North LGA, Abia state.
